"All at Sea" is a two-character play at Live theatre Newcastle that dramatises the true story of "canoe man" John Darwin. The production follows Colin Wilson's plan to fake his death in a canoe to escape debts, allowing his wife Deborah to claim life insurance whilst he hides. Rather than playing this for comedy, the play explores both the practical and psychological consequences of sustained deception, revealing unexpected emotional transformations.

Colin (played by Phil Corbitt) becomes trapped in limbo, controlling yet ineffectual, gradually descending into distraction and jealousy. Meanwhile, Deborah (Sarah Belcher) discovers emotional independence through her supposed grieving period, actually becoming more fulfilled and self-assured than before. The two actors deliver compelling performances that capture the deteriorating relationship dynamics, with the play's bleak conclusion feeling both necessary and inevitable. The production runs at Live theatre Newcastle until 10 October and at Stephen Joseph theatre Scarborough from 16-31 October.